How Long Does A Root Canal Take?

A root canal is one of the most common dental procedures. It is a restorative method to save a tooth that has extensive damage or an infection. In many cases a root canal can save a tooth that would otherwise need to be extracted. 

Do you have a tooth that needs a root canal? If your dentist has recommended a root canal, you may be wondering how long the procedure takes. In this article you will learn about the root canal process and how long it takes. 

What is a Root Canal? 

A root canal is the inner chamber of a tooth that contains the dental pulp, a soft tissue made up of blood vessels and nerves. The procedure is named for the root canal because the dental pulp is removed and the tooth is filled with a replacement material. 

Steps in the Root Canal Procedure 

A root canal procedure involves the following steps: 

1. Local anesthesia is administered to numb the nerves while the tooth is being treated. 
2. A small hole is made in the tooth to access the root canal. 
3. The dental pulp is removed from the tooth. 
4. The root canal is cleaned and disinfected. 
5. An infection resistant filler material is placed in the root canal to replace the dental pulp. 
6. The tooth is sealed. 
7. A dental crown is placed over the tooth in most cases. 

Average  Length of a Root Canal Procedure 

On average, a root canal may take about an hour. The procedure could range anywhere from 30 minutes for a simple root canal to 90 minutes for a complex root canal. There are a number of factors that may determine how long a root canal takes for an individual. 

Factors That Affect the Length of a Root Canal Procedure

The length of a root canal procedure can vary due to the following factors:

• Complexity of the root canal. Some teeth have a simple root canal structure and others have a more complex structure with multiple canals. The complexity will affect how long it takes to complete the procedure. 

• Size of the tooth. A  larger tooth is more likely to have a more complex root canal structure with multiple canals, meaning a root canal will take longer for a larger tooth than a smaller tooth. 

• Anesthesia required. Most root canals can be performed with just local anesthesia, but in some cases additional sedation may be required for the comfort of the patient. The use of some forms of sedation can add to the total length of your appointment, as extra time is allotted for sedation to take effect and wear off. 

• Number of teeth being treated. If you are having more than one tooth treated with a root canal at the same time, the procedure will take longer for each additional tooth. 

Why Choose Oakland Dental Care? 

If you need a root canal, Oakland Dental Care provides efficient and gentle care. We take the time to make sure you are comfortable, but we also respect your time and treat your tooth in a reasonable timeframe. 

Call 201-337-7733 or contact us today to learn more and schedule an appointment. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Root Canals

Is a root canal painful? 

With anesthesia you should feel no pain during a root canal. Local anesthesia is usually sufficient to make the procedure comfortable for most patients. But if you would prefer, sedation is available to ease anxiety and help you feel more relaxed. 

How long will the tooth last after a root canal?

In many cases a tooth that has been restored with a root canal can last for the rest of your life. If the tooth receives a crown after the root canal, it may need to be replaced after 10 or 15 years, but the tooth material and root underneath it should remain intact.